French VAT registration

What are the French VAT registration thresholds?

For foreign businesses trading in France that are VAT/GST/Tax registered in their home state, the VAT registration threshold is nil.

For EU VAT-registered companies selling goods over the internet to consumers in France (distance selling), the VAT registration threshold is €35,000 per annum since January 2016.

Is a French fiscal representative or agent required?

In accordance with the EU VAT Directives, a local French fiscal representative or agent is not required by a company resident in another EU member state. However, a fiscal representative, who is jointly liable for the French VAT, is required for non-EU companies.

What information is required to get a French VAT number and registration?

The French tax office will require the appropriate forms to be completed and submitted with the following documentation:

  • VAT certificate to prove the business is registered for VAT elsewhere in the EU, if appropriate.
  • Articles of Association.
  • An extract from the company’s national trade register.

Where are French VAT registrations submitted?

Foreign companies registering for a French VAT number must submit their application with the Service des Impôts des Entreprises. This must be done within two weeks of the start of trading, or passing the VAT registration threshold.

There are no penalties for a delayed French VAT registration. However, there will be an interest charge on any VAT due.

What is the format of a French VAT number?

Once the French VAT registration has been given, which can take several weeks, a unique French VAT number is allocated to the company. All EU member states have a fixed format for their VAT numbers. In France, there are four formats, as follows:

French Number Format

Country CodeFR
Format12345678901 X1234567890 1X123456789 XX123456789
Characters11 characters May include alphabetical characters (any except O or I) as first or second or first and second characters.
Notes 

What next?

Once a business has its VAT number, it is free to commence trading, and charging French VAT. It must comply with the French VAT compliance rules, and file regular returns (see French VAT Returns briefing).

Click for free French VAT info

Need a fiscal representative in France?

Non-EU businesses selling in France will need to appoint a fiscal representative alongside completing VAT registration and returns.
Fiscal representatives are responsible for the accurate VAT submissions of their non-EU clients.
Avalara offers a Fiscal Representative Service as part of its international VAT and GST Registration and Returns Service.

Need help with your VAT compliance?


Researching VAT legislation is the first step to understanding your VAT compliance needs. Avalara has a range of solutions that can help your business depending on where and how you trade. 

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